The agreement between Switzerland and the European Union on the free movement of peoples has increased the number of EU nationals working in Switzerland.

The greatest number come from Germany, where Switzerland is now the first country of choice for would-be emigrants. Most are highly qualified, working in management, teaching and medicine. The number of Germans in Switzerland increased by 45% between 2001 and 2005.

The influx of job seekers from EU countries was given an important boost in 2004, when the law was abolished which gave Swiss nationals priority over foreigners in the allocation of jobs.

Cross-border commuters

Cross-border commuters form an important category of foreign workers. Originally they were confined to living and working in specific border areas, but the restrictions have gradually been lifted.

In June 2007 the border areas were abolished and the commuters are now allowed to work anywhere in Switzerland.

Before that they had to live in defined border areas of a neighbouring country, and work in defined border areas of Switzerland.

Under the terms of their permit they were required to return to their home countries at least once a week. (Until the new regulations introduced in June 2002 they had to go home every evening.)

More than half of these commuting workers live in France, while Italy and Germany each account for about one fifth. Most of them work in north-west Switzerland, the Lake Geneva area, and Canton Ticino.

Cross-border commuters are represented in many branches of the economy, with industry heading the list.